As more diplomats embrace generative AI tools, I've noticed some confusion about how best to...
Is this a Project or a CustomGPT?
Nicole (Nikki) Finnemann asked a great question on another post this week: when to use Claude projects, ChatGPT customGPTs, and ChatGPT projects.
All three have some shared features:
- The ability to add instructions, files, and knowledge.
- The ability to reuse material over time.
There are some critical differences, though:
- Claude Projects and CustomGPTs don't retain context between sessions. ChatGPT projects have a persistent memory across sessions within a project.
- CustomGPTs are sharable with other users, publicly and privately. Claude projects can be shared within a team/enterprise. ChatGPT projects are not sharable, currently.
- CustomGPTs are easy to develop custom personalities and behavior, while ChatGPT projects are not. (Claude's custom styles helps achieve some of the same effect).
So what should you use? It depends. The table below gives you a richer breakdown of the features of each.
CustomGPT vs. ChatGPT Projects vs. Claude Projects
| Feature | ChatGPT customGPT | ChatGPT Projects | Claude Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Create a reusable, personalized AI assistant | A workspace for iterative, persistent work | Workspace for in-depth, long-term work |
| Customization | Full personality & behavior control via instructions, tools, APIs | No personality changes, but context persists | No personality customization; context does not persist across sessions |
| Memory & Context | No memory across chats; context comes from setup | Persistent memory across sessions within project | No persistent memory across sessions without third-party tools |
| Files | Upload as "knowledge" for reference (static) | Upload, edit, view, and interact with live files | Upload, edit, view, and interact with live files |
| Interactivity with Files | Limited (retrieves facts, no editing) | Full interactivity (code, text, data, etc.) | Full interactivity (code, text, data, etc.) |
| Use Case | Build specialized bots (e.g., tutor, editor, coach) | Multi-step work (e.g., writing, analysis, development) | Complex writing, coding, or data tasks |
| Coding Tools | Can include Python, browser, etc., if enabled | Includes code interpreter & notebook-style tools | Built-in code execution with Claude 3 models |
| Sharing/Collaboration | Shareable as a link (public or private) | Not currently collaborative (single user) | Not collaborative yet; single-user focus |
| Best For | Reusable workflows or assistants | Individual long-term projects or research | Thoughtful, evolving work over time (e.g., writing, strategy) |
| User Control | High (you build behavior & instructions) | Moderate (you guide, but GPT adapts) | Moderate (Claude adapts from your writing & uploads) |
